Cybersecurity is one of the most critical sectors of information technology. All the industries in the world heavily rely on technology and security systems to ensure business security and sustainability. Digital or information security is as critical on a personal level, as it is on an organization’s level.
Whether you intend to study and build a career in digital security or are looking for more information about today’s cybersecurity industry, here are the top 10 things you need to know about the state of cybersecurity today.
1- The Best Defense is Prevention
Hacking tools, techniques, and the attack vectors of cybercriminals evolve continuously with the passage of time. Keeping up with the latest security threats can be a daunting task for both companies and individuals. However, as a technology end-user, you may find relief in knowing that most traditional and modern cyber threats are preventable. Respecting the essential cybersecurity practices and making security-conscious decisions can go a long way in avoiding a host of security risks and their accompanying consequences.
2- Human Factor is the Biggest Problem
Negligence and human mistakes remain the number one threats to cybersecurity as experts blame human mistakes to count for 95% of security breaches. Unaware of the digital security threats, many end-users make poor choices while browsing the internet and handling sensitive information. These poor choices lead to risks like security breaches, data/information loss, identity theft, blackmailing, spying, and the list goes on. Validating your every move online can help you develop a security mindset – preventing you from making critical mistakes.
3- Email Security is Important
As high as 92% of malware is delivered via email. Cybercriminals use sophisticated phishing emails containing malicious links, malware, and credential-stealing capabilities to trick unsuspecting users into giving away their credentials or other sensitive information. Verifying the legitimacy and origin of a suspicious email can allow you to identify malicious emails.
4- IoT Will Increase Security Challenges
Undoubtedly, the Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates the functioning of all industries and businesses while supporting our everyday technology and digitalization needs. However, believing the myth of the new and latest IoT devices being secure is a mistake. Not only the latest IoT gadgets lack the required security but the growing number of IoT devices also poses new security threats.
5- Mobile Phones Can Cause Security Breaches
Using mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to perform work-related tasks poses a host of security risks. While communicating via such devices is convenient, it is critical that appropriate security measures are taken to secure your personal digital devices. Securing your devices can maximize the security of your data and device while lowering the security intrusion risks.
6- A Cyberattack Can Mean the End of your Business
A cybersecurity attack can put your company out of business. According to experts, 60% of businesses go out of business after being unable to recover from a security intrusion. If you are a business owner, it will be in your best interest to invest in cybersecurity to protect your business from both internal and external security threats.
7- Cyberattacks Have Consequences
While the dangers of digital security attacks are no surprise, it is important that you understand the range, impact, and volatility of the security intrusions. On an individual level, a breach can expose you to risks like identity theft, data/information loss, defamation, blackmailing, embarrassment, spying, cyber trolling, expulsion from employment, and so on.
8- Cybersecurity is an Ever-growing Market
Considering today’s hostile cyberspace, the need for cybersecurity is not going anywhere. On the contrary, the cybersecurity industry is expected to boom and exceed $248 billion by 2023. If you intend to start a career in cybersecurity, there has never been the right time than now.
9- There is a Cybersecurity Skills Shortage
There is a worldwide skills shortage in the field of cybersecurity. Companies throughout the globe need IT experts to maintain and secure their digital assets and technology infrastructures. However, given the complex nature of cybersecurity, not many students are choosing cybersecurity as a career. This is leading to an unbalance in the supply and demand of cybersecurity expertise.
10- Cybersecurity is Important
Lastly, it is imperative that you understand the importance of cybersecurity. Like everyone else, you also have personal information/data and devices to protect. Cybersecurity attacks can have both social and real-life consequences. Therefore, always implement the best security practices while investing resources in learning the latest security precautionary measures.
